Of all four active terminals at Heathrow, Terminal 4 is the one that surprises travellers most. It sits apart from the rest of the airport, served by its own road, its own train station, and a separate transport loop. If you arrive at the central Heathrow station expecting to walk to your terminal and discover you need to take a train to get there, it can throw off your timing completely.
That is the main reason this guide exists. Terminal 4 is perfectly manageable once you know what to expect. It handles millions of passengers a year, it is home to some of the world’s best-known international airlines, and after a significant refurbishment it is a genuinely comfortable place to begin or end a journey. You just need to understand the layout, the transport links, and a few key details before you travel.
This guide covers everything: which airlines fly from Terminal 4, how to get there, parking changes happening in 2026, what the departures and arrivals process looks like, lounges, food, facilities, and the questions that travellers ask most often.
What Is Heathrow Terminal 4?
Terminal 4 opened on 1 April 1986 and was designed from the start to handle long-haul international flights. It sits on Heathrow’s Southern Perimeter Road, to the south of the southern runway, next to the cargo terminal. This position separates it physically from Terminals 2, 3, and 5, all of which sit in the northern part of the airport. That separation is the defining characteristic of Terminal 4 from a traveller’s perspective.
The terminal covers a floor area of more than 100,000 square metres and went through a major refurbishment between 2009 and 2017, costing around £200 million. It reopened fully after a temporary pandemic-era closure and is now the primary base for SkyTeam alliance airlines at Heathrow. The postcode for Terminal 4 is TW6 3XA, which is useful to have in your sat nav if you are driving.
Which Airlines Use Terminal 4?
Terminal 4 is Heathrow’s hub for SkyTeam alliance airlines and several other major international carriers. It is used by around 34 airlines and serves over 9.5 million passengers each year, with routes covering long-haul destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
The main airlines operating from Terminal 4 in 2026 include:
SkyTeam carriers: Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and other SkyTeam partner airlines.
Gulf and Middle East airlines: Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, and Saudia.
Asian carriers: Malaysia Airlines and others serving Asia-Pacific routes.
Other long-haul carriers: Royal Air Maroc and various airlines serving African destinations.
A couple of important points. Qatar Airways and Etihad are not SkyTeam members but both operate from Terminal 4 at Heathrow. Qatar is a oneworld member and Etihad is unaligned, but both have long been based in this terminal at Heathrow. If you are flying with either airline, Terminal 4 is where you need to be.
Note also that Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, while SkyTeam members, operate from Terminal 3 at Heathrow rather than Terminal 4. This has been a consistent source of confusion for passengers, particularly those used to all SkyTeam carriers being together. Always confirm your specific terminal on your boarding pass before travelling.
Where Terminal 4 Sits in the Airport
This is the most important thing to understand about Terminal 4, and it is worth spending a moment on it.
Unlike Terminals 2, 3, and 5, which are all in the northern cluster of Heathrow, Terminal 4 is a standalone building to the south of the main runways. It has its own road access, its own dedicated car parks, and its own railway station. You cannot walk between Terminal 4 and any other terminal. Getting between Terminal 4 and Terminals 2, 3, or 5 requires either the Elizabeth line train or a shuttle bus, both of which are free for connecting passengers.
Terminal 4 is not connected by foot to any other terminal. You must use the free inter-terminal shuttle train.
This matters most if you have a connecting flight or if you land at one terminal and realise your onward travel is from another. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for any connection involving Terminal 4, and 90 minutes or more if you need to recheck bags.
Getting to Heathrow Terminal 4
By Car
Heathrow Terminal 4 is located on Heathrow’s Southern Perimeter Road and is directly accessible from the M25 and M4.
From the M25, exit at Junction 14 and follow signs for Terminal 4 on the Southern Perimeter Road. From the M4, exit at Junction 4B, join the M25 briefly, then exit at Junction 14.
From Birmingham, the journey covers approximately 90 to 100 miles and typically takes around two hours in normal traffic. The M40 to the M25 is the most common route. Friday afternoons and early Saturday mornings near Heathrow can be particularly congested, so allow more time on those days.
By Train and Elizabeth Line
Terminal 4 has its own railway station, Heathrow Terminal 4, served by the Elizabeth line. The Elizabeth line connects to London Paddington in around 30 minutes and can be used with a contactless card or Oyster card. It is a smooth, modern service and works well for passengers travelling light.
If you are arriving from central London and taking the Heathrow Express, you need to be aware that the Heathrow Express itself does not stop at Terminal 4. It stops at the central Heathrow station serving Terminals 2 and 3. From there, you switch to the Elizabeth line or a free inter-terminal train that loops to Terminal 4. That leg adds roughly 15 minutes to your journey, so factor it in when planning your arrival time.
The Piccadilly line also serves Terminal 4 via its own dedicated loop, though the route takes around 50 to 60 minutes from central London. It is the most affordable option but less convenient than the Elizabeth line for Terminal 4 passengers.
By Coach
Coach services to Heathrow from major UK cities stop at the central bus station between Terminals 2 and 3. Bus stops serving Terminal 4 are located just outside arrivals at the terminal. From the central Heathrow bus station, bus services 555 and 557 connect to Terminal 4. National Express and other operators also route some services directly to Terminal 4.
Drop-Off Charge
If someone is dropping you at Terminal 4 by car, the same drop-off charge applies as at all other Heathrow terminals. Terminal 4’s drop-off area can be reached by following Stratford Road, where at the top of the ramp there are three lanes to use. The £7 fee cannot be paid at the zone and must be paid online or by phone.
The charge is £7 per visit in 2026, up from £6 since January 2026. ANPR cameras record every vehicle that enters the drop-off zone. Payment must be made by midnight on the day after the visit. Missing that deadline results in an £80 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
The free drop-off alternative is to use the Park and Ride car parks, where the first two hours are free and a bus transfer runs to the terminal. It adds time but costs nothing.
By Private Chauffeur
For passengers coming from Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and the wider Midlands, a private chauffeur transfer is often the most practical choice for Terminal 4 travel. Your driver handles the route, knows the Terminal 4 access road, and drops you directly at departures. On the return journey, they track your flight in real time, meet you in the arrivals hall, and manage all the logistics from that point.
Our Heathrow airport chauffeur service covers Terminal 4 as standard, alongside all other Heathrow terminals. Fixed prices, no hidden charges, and a meet-and-greet service that means you are never left searching for your driver after a long flight.
Parking at Heathrow Terminal 4
Terminal 4 has its own dedicated parking facilities, separate from the other Heathrow terminals. It is also consistently among the more affordable options for official on-airport parking at Heathrow.
There is an important change to be aware of for 2026. From 23 June 2026, the Terminal 4 multi-storey car park will close as part of a major redevelopment programme. All passenger parking for Terminal 4 will move to Zone A of the Terminal 4 Park and Ride car park.
This means that from that date, the closest on-airport parking option becomes the Park and Ride, with a bus transfer to the terminal. If you were planning to park at the short-stay car park, which is currently just a two-minute walk from the terminal, you need to factor in this change and allow additional time for the shuttle bus.
Park and Ride (Long Stay)
This is the cheapest official parking option at Terminal 4 and will be the primary option from June 2026 onwards. It involves parking at the designated car park and taking a free shuttle bus to the terminal, which takes up to 15 minutes. The first two hours in the Park and Ride are free, making it a useful option for short pick-ups and drop-offs too.
Meet and Greet Parking
Heathrow valet parking has historically been available at Terminal 4, where you drive to the terminal and hand your keys to an attendant. However, from 23 June 2026, Meet and Greet Parking will no longer be available at Terminal 4 due to the redevelopment of the multi-storey car park. If you were planning to use this service, you will need to choose an alternative parking option or book through an approved third-party valet provider.
Off-Airport Parking
Various third-party providers offer parking near Heathrow with shuttle transfers. These are generally cheaper than on-airport options when booked well in advance, and they continue to operate as normal regardless of the Terminal 4 redevelopment. Always book in advance as prices rise significantly closer to travel dates.
Is Parking Worth It?
It is worth comparing parking costs against alternatives before you commit. A week of parking at Heathrow Terminal 4 can cost £150 or more even on an advance booking. For two passengers travelling together from Birmingham, a return airport transfer service can work out to a similar or lower cost, with considerably less hassle on both ends of the journey.
Terminal 4 Departures: What to Expect
Check-In
Check-in at Terminal 4 is on the first floor (Level 1), along with the main departures area. Arrivals are handled on the ground floor (Level 0), which makes the two-level layout fairly intuitive once you are inside.
Airline check-in desks are well-signposted from the terminal entrance. Most airlines offer self-service kiosks for faster check-in, and online check-in is available from 24 to 48 hours before departure with most carriers. Completing online check-in in advance saves you time at the airport, particularly useful during busy periods.
Qatar Airways operates a dedicated Premium check-in area at Terminal 4 for its business and first class passengers, offering a more private and efficient check-in experience separate from the main hall.
Aim to arrive at Terminal 4 at least three hours before any international long-haul flight. The terminal is efficient, but this buffer gives you time to get through check-in, bag drop, and security without rushing, and still enjoy the facilities before your flight.
Security
Security at Terminal 4 is on Level 1, through the departures area. The standard Heathrow rules apply. Liquids in containers of 100ml or less must be in a clear resealable plastic bag. Laptops and large electronic devices need to come out of your bag and go in a tray separately.
At Terminal 4, unlike at Terminals 2 and 3, advanced CT scanners may not yet be fully deployed across all lanes. As a result, the liquid removal rule still applies at most lanes. Check the Heathrow website before you travel if you want to confirm current scanner arrangements.
Be ready before you reach the front of the queue. Have your boarding pass and passport out, belt removed, and coins in your bag. It speeds things up noticeably.
Shopping and Restaurants
Once through security, you reach the Terminal 4 departure lounge. While it is smaller than the shopping areas in Terminals 2, 3, and 5, there is a reasonable selection of shops and places to eat.
Retail options include duty-free perfume, alcohol, and tobacco, alongside a World Duty Free store, some fashion and accessories, and travel essentials. For food, you will find coffee chains, casual dining options, and pubs. The terminal is quieter and generally less crowded than the central terminals, which many passengers appreciate, particularly on early morning flights.
Lounges at Heathrow Terminal 4
Terminal 4 has some of the most interesting lounge developments of any Heathrow terminal right now, with several upgrades and a major new opening in 2026.
Qatar Airways Lounges
Qatar Airways operates two distinct lounges at Terminal 4, making it one of the best-served terminals for premium passengers at Heathrow.
The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge is a 750-square-metre space exclusively for Qatar and oneworld first and business class revenue passengers. It features shower suites, a bar, a global deli counter, and a brasserie serving Arabian and international cuisine. It is located opposite Gate 6 and is open daily from 05:00 to 22:00. No guests are permitted in this lounge.
The oneworld Lounge at Terminal 4 is Qatar’s second lounge, designed for non-revenue business and first class ticket holders and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire frequent flyers. It is also located on Level 2 opposite Gate 6. OneWorld elite members are permitted one guest.
Saudia Lounge
The Saudia lounge at Terminal 4 opened in April 2025, taking the upper level space of the former SkyTeam lounge. It is a more recent addition to the terminal and offers a comfortable pre-flight space for eligible Saudia and SkyTeam passengers.
Air France Lounge
Air France has confirmed a new lounge at London Heathrow Airport set to open in spring 2026, located in Terminal 4. The space spans approximately 8,000 square feet and accommodates seating for around 150 guests. It includes a bar with French wines and Champagne, a dining space with fine French cuisine, a dedicated spa and relaxation zone, and work areas. Access is available to Air France La Première and eligible business class passengers, along with eligible customers flying with KLM and other SkyTeam partner airlines. This lounge significantly improves the premium experience for Air France and KLM passengers at Terminal 4, which had been using the Plaza Premium as a temporary measure since the original SkyTeam lounge closed.
Plaza Premium Lounge
The Plaza Premium lounge at Terminal 4 is available to Priority Pass holders, Dragonpass members, and passengers purchasing day passes. It provides comfortable seating, a buffet, drinks, and shower facilities. It is a solid option for passengers who do not have access to an airline-specific lounge but want a quieter space before their flight.
Etihad Lounge
Etihad Airways operates its own lounge at Terminal 4 for eligible first and business class passengers and top-tier Etihad Guest members. It is one of the more consistently well-regarded airline lounges at the terminal, with a comfortable environment and attentive service.
Terminal 4 Arrivals: What to Expect
The arrivals process at Terminal 4 is straightforward and the terminal’s separate location actually makes it less hectic than the central Heathrow terminals at peak times.
Arrivals are processed on Level 0, the ground floor. After landing and disembarking, you follow the arrivals signs through the terminal. The wayfinding is clear throughout.
Passport control: UK and eligible passport holders with biometric documents can use the e-gates for a faster automated process. Non-eligible travellers use the staffed immigration desks. Passport control at Terminal 4 can be busy when multiple long-haul flights arrive close together, particularly in the mornings when overnight transatlantic and Middle East services land. Having your documents ready before you join the queue helps.
Baggage reclaim: From passport control, check the overhead screens for your carousel number. If your luggage is delayed or missing, report it immediately at your airline’s baggage desk in the reclaim hall. Keep your luggage receipt from your boarding documentation as you will need it.
Customs: After reclaim, you walk through customs into the main arrivals hall. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare beyond your personal allowances. If in doubt, use the red channel.
The arrivals hall: The Terminal 4 arrivals hall is at ground level. It is well-equipped with a Costa Coffee, a WHSmith, toilets, ATMs, and currency exchange desks. If you have a driver meeting you, they will be waiting in the arrivals hall, typically in front of the customs exit. At National Executive Transfers, your driver stands with a personalised name board inside the arrivals hall after you clear customs. Because we track your flight in real time, there is no delay between you walking out and your driver being there, regardless of any changes to the arrival time.
You can find full details of our arrival service on our Heathrow airport chauffeur service page.
Connecting Flights Through Terminal 4
If you are connecting to another flight through Terminal 4, follow the purple Flight Connections signs immediately after landing. Do not walk through passport control unless your specific routing requires it.
For connections to other Heathrow terminals, you will be directed to the inter-terminal transfer service. Terminal 4 is not connected by foot to any other terminal, so this will involve a free train or shuttle bus. The Elizabeth line serves Terminal 4’s own station and connects to the central terminals. Shuttle buses also run between Terminal 4 and the rest of the airport.
Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for any connection that involves Terminal 4. If you need to change airline alliances and recheck bags, allow 90 minutes to two hours. The physical separation of Terminal 4 from the rest of Heathrow is the main reason connections through this terminal take longer than at other airports.
Facilities at Terminal 4
WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout Terminal 4. Connect to the Heathrow WiFi network, which requires no registration and provides adequate speeds for most purposes including video calls and streaming.
Accessible Travel
Terminal 4 is fully accessible, with step-free access throughout and wheelchair assistance available. Book wheelchair assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before departure. The Sunflower lanyard scheme is recognised for passengers with hidden disabilities.
Currency and ATMs
ATMs and currency exchange desks are available in the arrivals hall at Terminal 4. As with any airport, exchange rates at the desk are rarely competitive. Using an ATM with a low-fee card tends to give better rates if you need local currency.
Hotel Close to Terminal 4
There is no hotel directly inside Terminal 4 in the way that the Sofitel connects to Terminal 5 or the Aerotel connects to Terminal 3. The closest options are a short shuttle or taxi ride away on the Southern Perimeter Road. If you have a very early flight from Terminal 4, staying at a nearby Heathrow hotel the night before is worth considering.
Tips for First-Time Travellers at Teminal 4
Know that Terminal 4 is separate from the rest of Heathrow
If you arrive at Heathrow Central station by Heathrow Express and expect to walk to Terminal 4, you will be disappointed. You need the Elizabeth line or a shuttle bus. Plan for this journey time.
Allow extra time for connections
Any flight connection involving Terminal 4 requires more time than connections between the central terminals. Do not book connecting flights with a minimum connection time if Terminal 4 is involved.
Confirm your terminal before you leave
Delta and Virgin Atlantic are SkyTeam members but fly from Terminal 3. Qatar operates from Terminal 4 but is not SkyTeam. The situation at Heathrow does not follow a simple pattern. Your boarding pass will tell you where to go.
Check parking arrangements if you are driving
The Terminal 4 multi-storey car park closes from 23 June 2026 as part of the redevelopment. From that date, all passenger parking moves to the Park and Ride with a shuttle bus. Plan accordingly and book in advance.
The drop-off charge is £7
Anyone driving you to Terminal 4 will need to pay the £7 drop-off charge if they enter the terminal forecourt. Payment is made online or by phone before midnight the following day. Using the Park and Ride instead avoids the charge.
Use online check-in
Every major airline at Terminal 4 offers online check-in from 24 to 48 hours before departure. Doing this in advance means you skip the check-in desk and go straight to bag drop or security, which saves time during busier periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines use Heathrow Terminal 4?
Terminal 4 serves Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Gulf Air, Saudia, Royal Air Maroc, and a range of other international carriers. Note that Delta and Virgin Atlantic, despite being SkyTeam members, fly from Terminal 3. Always check your boarding pass.
Can I walk between Terminal 4 and other Heathrow terminals?
No. Terminal 4 is a standalone building to the south of the airport and is not connected to any other terminal by foot. You need to use the Elizabeth line or a free shuttle bus. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for this transfer, more during busy periods.
How do I get to Terminal 4 from central London?
The Elizabeth line from Paddington takes approximately 30 minutes. The Piccadilly line takes around 50 to 60 minutes. If you take the Heathrow Express to the central Heathrow station, you then need to transfer to the Elizabeth line for the short onward leg to Terminal 4.
What is the drop-off charge at Terminal 4?
The drop-off charge at Terminal 4 is £7 per visit in 2026, the same as all other Heathrow terminals. Payment is made online or by phone before midnight on the day after the visit. Failure to pay results in an £80 fine, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Is the Meet and Greet parking still available at Terminal 4?
Meet and Greet parking at Terminal 4 closes from 23 June 2026 due to the multi-storey car park redevelopment. From that date, all parking moves to the Park and Ride car park with a shuttle bus to the terminal. Check the Heathrow website for the latest parking options.
How do I get from Birmingham to Heathrow Terminal 4?
By road, the journey takes approximately two hours in normal traffic via the M40 and M25. A private chauffeur transfer is the most comfortable and straightforward option, offering a door-to-door service with fixed pricing. Our Heathrow airport chauffeur service covers this route regularly for both business and leisure travellers.
Where does my driver meet me at Terminal 4 arrivals?
Your driver meets you inside the Terminal 4 arrivals hall with a name board, in the area in front of the customs exit. We track your flight in real time and adjust for any changes to your arrival time, so you will not be waiting around after a long journey.
Getting Onwards from Terminal 4
Once you land at Terminal 4, your options for continuing your journey are clear.
For London, the Elizabeth line to Paddington takes around 30 minutes and is the most comfortable option by public transport. The Piccadilly line to central London takes 50 to 60 minutes and is cheaper.
For destinations in the Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Solihull, public transport from Terminal 4 involves a train or tube to London, then a separate intercity service northward. That journey can take three hours or more, particularly with luggage after a long-haul flight.
A private transfer is considerably more practical for those journeys. Our fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the E-Class for individuals and business travellers, the S-Class for VIP and first-class standard travel, and the V-Class for groups and families with more luggage, covers the full range of needs.
If you travel regularly for work and use Heathrow Terminal 4 frequently, our corporate chauffeur service simplifies regular travel through account-based booking and consistent, professional service every time.
Final Thoughts
Heathrow Terminal 4 has a reputation for being the terminal people know least about. And that is mainly because of its separate location. Once you understand that it is accessed differently from the rest of Heathrow and that the inter-terminal transfer adds time to any connection, the rest follows naturally.
The terminal itself is well-run, quieter than the central terminals, and will soon have genuinely excellent lounge provision with the arrival of the new Air France space. The major parking changes from June 2026 are the most significant practical issue to be aware of if you are planning to drive and park.
For passengers coming from Birmingham and the Midlands, the most stress-free way to start or end a Terminal 4 trip is a private transfer that handles everything from door to arrivals hall. You can view our full airport transfer services or call us on 01564 77 80 80 to discuss your journey.
